Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Wallace Stevens? "Agenda" is a playful yet contemplative poem that navigates the absurdities of human attempts to impose order and meaning on the chaotic, often incongruous world. Through its whimsical imagery and pointed observations, the poem reflects on the interplay between expectations and reality, and the dissonance between cultural ideals and the often "haphazard" nature of life.

The poem begins with an invocation of sensory indulgence—“Whipped creams and the Blue Danube.” These images evoke a sense of opulence, leisure, and perhaps cultural sophistication, with Strauss?s famous waltz symbolizing a polished, orchestrated beauty. Yet, almost immediately, the tone shifts with the admission that “the damned thing doesn’t come right.” This abrupt undercutting suggests a frustration with the limitations of human design and ambition, despite the aesthetic ideals we strive to achieve.

Stevens proceeds to juxtapose geographical and cultural dislocations, proposing absurd combinations such as “Boston should be in the keys” and “Charleston should be New York.” These playful reimaginings highlight a longing for transformation and an acknowledgment of the arbitrary boundaries that define places and their identities. The suggestion that “Shasta roared up in Nassau” introduces an element of the fantastical, with the majestic volcano relocating to the tropical island, cooling the air. These lines are humorous but also subtly critique the human tendency to desire an impossible, more harmonious arrangement of the world.

The poet?s absurd solutions escalate with the notion that orchestras might “stand on their heads” or dancers perform ballets on their beds. These ideas evoke a sense of whimsy and rebellion against convention, suggesting that innovation and surprise might be the answer to the staleness of traditional forms. Stevens, however, seems to understand the futility of such measures; despite our best efforts, the world remains resistant to perfect alignment or coherence.

The reflection on “those early centuries” and their “haphazard people and things” serves as a historical perspective. Stevens acknowledges the inherent disorder and unpredictability of life, regardless of era. The imagery of the "whole of them turning black" carries a somber note, perhaps alluding to the passage of time, decay, and the erasure of even the most ambitious human endeavors. Yet, in this acknowledgment of entropy, there is also an understated reverence for the resilience and constancy of certain forms of beauty.

The final lines return to nature, where "the well-tuned birds are singing, / Slowly and sweetly." This image contrasts sharply with the earlier absurdities and frustrations, offering a moment of calm and balance. The "College of Heralds" suggests tradition and order, and the birds? song implies that, while human efforts may falter, there is a natural rhythm and harmony that persists beyond our control.

"Agenda" captures Stevens? characteristic blend of humor, philosophical depth, and lyricism. The poem critiques human pretensions and ambitions while celebrating the resilience of beauty and the enduring mystery of the world. It reminds us that, despite our agendas, the world remains delightfully and maddeningly unpredictable, with its own quiet, "well-tuned" music always in the background.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...